6 Ways to Do Things Differently for Your Engagement

Getting engaged to be married is one of the most significant steps you can take in your relationship. It's different for everyone; some people don't want to get married, while others might skip the engagement stage. But if you do want to be engaged before getting married, it's a period you can enjoy as you plan to make your commitment more serious (and legally bound).

I remember my proposal like it was yesterday. It was a sweet and intimate moment shared between the two of us. If you know anything about my husband, he’s quiet and doesn’t like a lot of attention.

There are traditions and trends that go along with getting engaged, but only some people want to follow the crowd when it comes to their relationship or any part of their personal life. If you and your partner like to do things differently, you can choose to veer away from tradition and approach engagement however you want to. At the end of the day, it’s about the two of you.

Do Away with the Proposal

The proposal part of getting engaged is arguably the most important part for many couples, but not everyone is very enthusiastic about the idea of a flashy proposal, especially in public. When a proposal occurs, you should know that you both want to get married anyway. There shouldn't be any doubt about whether the person being asked will say yes, which to some, might make the proposal itself kind of pointless. If you're a more relaxed couple, you might have a discussion and decide that you want to be engaged instead.

Look at Non-Traditional Rings

Engagement rings are another big tradition to consider when you're getting engaged. Some couples might decide not to bother with any rings, but there's something to be said for having a symbol of your promise to get married. If you do want to find the right ring (or two of them), but you want to be a little different, you might look beyond the traditional styles. You could look at different gem colors instead of sticking with traditional clear diamonds. A pink diamond could be a fun alternative—you can find out more about them and what they look like to decide if they could be for you. Or you can consider alternative metals or materials, especially if you're someone who works with their hands a lot.

Get Engagement Gifts for Both of You

Traditionally, women wear engagement rings. But what if you and your partner are the same gender? Or what if you don't like the idea of just one of you having a symbol of your engagement? Maybe you don't like the idea of a ring at all. Consider engagement gifts for both of you so you both get a little something out of being officially engaged. You might decide to exchange rings, or there are other wearable items you could consider. Watches, necklaces, or other gifts could all work. Anything could be an engagement gift if you want it to be.

Spread the News Your Way

Making an announcement about your engagement is a fun way to share your excitement. You have to let people know at some point, especially if you want them to come to the wedding, but not everyone wants to make a big fuss about it. Maybe you want to announce your engagement on social media or even, more traditionally, through a newspaper. But if you'd rather keep it more low-key, maybe you'll tell a few people and allow it to spread. There are ways to get creative!

Take Time to Enjoy Being Engaged

It's natural to start thinking about the wedding as soon as you're engaged, but there doesn't have to be any rush to get married. Some people are engaged for a couple of years or even longer before they go through with the wedding. You can take the time to enjoy being engaged, let the excitement build, and plan your wedding. The longer you're engaged, the more time you have to save and plan your wedding budget.

Focus on the Marriage, Not the Wedding

Another way to use your time as an engaged couple is to think about your marriage. The wedding will be important, but it's really just the start of your journey as a married couple. What's much more important is what your marriage will look like. Now is the time to make sure you're talking about the big issues, from finances to children, careers, and what you want your future to look like.

Don't feel you have to follow tradition. You can do things your way when you get engaged.